Announcement made by the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan in address to attendees of the 2022 Aerospace, Defence & Security Expo
August 3, 2022 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Pacific Economic Development Canada
British Columbia is one of the largest aerospace clusters in Canada with over 200 companies operating in the sector. Each year, the Aerospace, Defence and Security Expo (ADSE) brings together industry stakeholders to network and capitalize on opportunities in domestic and international markets.
That is why the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) addressed ADSE attendees at a lunchtime session today where he announced over $7.5 million under the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI) for three B.C. organizations: Avcorp Industries, Inc., the University of Victoria, and Chinook Helicopters, Inc. The funding announced today will help the three organizations to innovate, commercialize technologies, and improve global competitiveness while creating 110 jobs in B.C.'s aerospace sector.
During his remarks, Minister Sajjan reaffirmed his support for ADSE and underscored the importance of Canada's aerospace and defense sectors to the B.C. economy. PacifiCan provides funding to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) to deliver ADSE and support western Canada's aerospace and defense industries at home and abroad.
PacifiCan is the dedicated federal regional economic development agency for British Columbia and plays a key role in supporting the aerospace industry. This includes working with local stakeholders to leverage economic opportunities associated with federal defence procurements under the Government of Canada's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITBs) policy.
Projects being funded
Organization: Chinook Helicopters (1982), Inc.
Project description: Develop and commercialize a Virtual Reality Training and Simulation system
Funding: $1,171,800
Organization: Avcorp Industries Inc.
Project description: Adopt digital technologies to create efficiencies and enhance productivity
Funding: $4,862,250
Organization: University of Victoria
Project description: Develop Hybrid Electric Propulsion Systems
Funding: $1,500,000
Total funding: $7,534,050
